The family of a senior police officer hit and run in a suspected hit-and-run have revealed how close they came to losing him during his first night in hospital.
Detective Senior Constable Greg McDougall, 46, was attempting to approach the driver of a Toyota Hilux during a police operation when he was allegedly struck and dragged by the vehicle in Belmont, in Perth’s east, last Friday.
The father of three was seriously injured after the driver allegedly sped off near the intersection of Stanton Road and Epsom Avenue.
He suffered 15 broken ribs, a broken arm and a fractured ankle.
His family provided an update on Monday, sharing a photo of Detective McDougall lying in a hospital bed covered in bandages and tubes, including one to help him breathe.
Even though his battered body looked to be in worse shape, he managed a brave smile and gave the camera a thumbs-up.
Chris McDougall revealed that his twin brother had been through “a lot”.
“When we found out we didn’t think it was that serious until we got to the hospital and they were giving him blood transfusions,” he told reporters on Monday.
Detective Greg McDougall, 46 (pictured in hospital), was allegedly struck and dragged by an approaching vehicle.
The detective’s twin brother, Chris, said that although the situation was delicate, he has become stronger and is the “Superman” of the family (pictured, Greg McDougall).
‘On Friday night everything was very close… that was our biggest concern.
“After staying overnight and then Saturday, once he was stabilized, he seemed to be getting a lot better every time he woke up.”
Chris said his brother was getting stronger and gives a thumbs up to family members every time they visit him in the hospital.
The ‘Superman’ family will spend the next 3-6 months in recovery in what will be a ‘difficult journey’
But his brother insists that Detective McDougall has the support of not only his family, but also his “blue family.”
The first thing he asked at the hospital was whether the suspect had been captured.
His brother said it made the father of three’s day to learn the driver had been arrested and charged.
Described as a person with a “positive mindset”, Detective McDougall has also welcomed the numerous messages of support that have flooded in.
He is now looking forward to a family holiday in Bali in December and hopes to return to the police force, despite the ordeal.
The father-of-three was treated at the scene (pictured) before being rushed to hospital. His injuries include 15 broken ribs, a broken arm and a fractured ankle.
The detective (pictured) has months of rehabilitation ahead of him but has a ‘positive mindset’ and the support of his family and his ‘blue family’.
Although his brother-in-law Fabian Dawson described Detective McDougall as a “very tough guy”, the incident had been devastating for everyone in his family. 7 News reported.
Western Australian police searched the Hilux and reportedly found a kilogram of methamphetamine, which has a street value of $1 million. Western Australia reported.
Police say after the driver allegedly fled the scene and crashed in Bellevue, he fled on foot before being caught and arrested.
Brenden Ross Green, a 37-year-old Stoneville man, was charged with aggravated dangerous driving causing serious bodily injury, failure to report an incident, failure to stop and provide assistance and reckless driving.
Police have since searched properties in Ascot, Woodbridge and Stoneville and allege that… More drugs were discovered during the raids.